What tours should you do at the Everglades?

Discover the untamed beauty and diverse ecosystem of the Everglades National Park with our selection of top must-take tours. Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Florida’s wilderness, where adventure awaits at every turn.

Airboat Tour

An airboat ride on the Everglades is a popular way to explore the park’s unique ecosystem and experience the thrill of gliding over the water. Airboats are flat-bottomed boats that are powered by a large propeller and can reach high speeds while skimming across the water’s surface. Here are some things to know about airboat rides in Everglades National Park:

• • Airboat rides are offered by several private companies that operate in and around the park. These companies offer a range of tour options, from short rides to longer, more in-depth tours.
  • Airboat tours typically last between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the tour operator and the type of tour.
  • The tours are usually guided by experienced captains who are knowledgeable about the park’s wildlife and ecology. They may point out interesting plants, animals, and landmarks along the way.
  • Airboat tours are a great way to see wildlife in their natural habitat, including alligators, wading birds, and turtles. However, it’s important to remember that wildlife sightings are not guaranteed on any tour.
  • The noise from the airboat’s propeller can be loud, so many tour operators provide ear protection for their passengers.

Alligator

Is it Safe ?

We think it is safe as long as you follow the instructions provided by your guide. We did this with our little one (16 months) .  Since, it was loud, they gave an ear protection.

Gator Park

We took the Airboat ride through Gator Park.

Pro Tip :: Buy Tickets Online

We bought the ticket in person but if you plan in advance then you will be able to save some money by buying it online. It was one of the best boat rides we ever had in our lives. We saw approx. 6-7 alligators in that ride and some beautiful birds.

Our guide was really funny and seeing the Alligators from close is an unforgettable experience. After the ride was completed, we went to see the Wildlife Show (part of your ticket) in which they mentioned facts about Alligators, Crocodiles, and Everglades National Park.

Great Egret

Food

Gator park has a small restaurant so if you’re hungry you can have some snacks/burgers. We had the black bean burger and it was good.

Gift Shop

They have a gift shop inside so you can always buy souvenirs.

Restrooms

They have a very clean restroom outside in a trailer.

Tram Tour at Everglades National Park

The Shark Valley Visitor Center is a popular destination within Everglades National Park, and the bus tour offered at the visitor center is a great way to experience the unique ecosystem of the park.

Here are some things to know about the Shark Valley Visitor Center bus tour:

• • • • The tram tour at Shark Valley Visitor Center is a two-hour guided tour that takes visitors on a loop through the park’s sawgrass prairies and freshwater marshes.
      • The tour covers approximately 15 miles and provides plenty of opportunities to see wildlife and learn about the park’s ecology and conservation efforts.
      • The tour is narrated by a knowledgeable guide who provides information about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife. Guides may point out interesting plants, animals, and landmarks along the way, and answer questions from passengers.
      • The tour bus is an open-air vehicle, which provides great views of the park’s landscapes and wildlife. However, passengers should dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared for sun, wind, and rain.
      • The tour includes a stop at the Shark Valley Observation Tower, which provides panoramic views of the park’s landscapes and wildlife. 
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      Visitors can climb the tower to get a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding area and take photos.

    • The Shark Valley Visitor Center bus tour is a great option for visitors who want to experience the park’s unique ecosystem and learn about its conservation efforts.
    • It’s important to book in advance, as the tour can fill up quickly during peak season.
    • Visitors can also explore the park on foot or by bike, as the Shark Valley Trail is a popular hiking and biking trail that provides a more immersive experience of the park’s landscapes and wildlife.

Common gallinule

Tickets

Make sure to buy tickets in advance as this tour is very popular and gets sold out in advance.

Visit Shark Valley Tram Tours for latest information.

Shark Valley Visitor Center has bikes too, so, if you miss the tram tour you can always bike or walk.

Baby Gators